Lou Dalton presented her collection in the Portico Rooms of Somerset House, a rather opulent setting reached by a romantic, winding staircase. This idyllic space couldn’t have suited the Dalton’s collection better, unless it had been adorned in seafaring regalia.
This isn’t to say that Lou’s vision for Spring/Summer 2010 is a direct pastiche of maritime outfits. Instead, more subtle referencing was present.
The stripe – the seaside staple – was there in a number of outfits, but it had been re-worked for a more mature look, despite the models having a mean age of 14 (I surmise). I particularly loved the way it had be knitted into these two pieces…
Basics were simple, with white vests featuring graphic patterns and loose fitting tailoring, such as blazer-waistcoats or knee-length shorts.
As the collection progressed, it was clear that Dalton’s phantasm was less straight-forward sea. New-romantic elements and the channelling of pirates evoked memories a more decadent, classical period in history, when travelling by sea was the only way to travel. Wide brimmed hats and neat safari jackets, which were exquisitely tailored, fall into this category.
There was also a hint of femininity to the collection, juxtaposed with more masculine pieces. Tailored chambray shirts were teamed with gold corsages and neck ties, for example.
Fantastic accessories on display – oversized bags featuring graphic prints by Ricardo Fumanal and embellished with more metallic corsages. Sunglasses were provided by Linda Farrow, need I say more?
Overall a very wearable collection where different pieces can be fused together to create different looks. Some of which I hope to try pretty soon…
Photography by Matt Bramford
Tags:
London Fashion Week, Lou Dalton, Menswear Day, Portico Rooms, Somerset House, Sunglasses
